Former Penn State QB Trace McSorley Leaving Coaching Staff for NFL Role

McSorley planned to remain as assistant quarterbacks coach, but an opportunity with the Buffalo Bills has emerged.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Former Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley is leaving Matt Campbell's coaching staff to take a position with the NFL's Buffalo Bills. McSorley had been serving as the assistant quarterbacks coach under Campbell, but is now expected to join new Bills head coach Joe Brady's staff. McSorley was a standout quarterback for the Nittany Lions, leading the team to a Big Ten championship in 2016 when Brady was a graduate assistant at Penn State.

Why it matters

McSorley's departure is a significant loss for the Penn State program, as he was seen as an important part of the coaching staff under new head coach Matt Campbell. McSorley's connections to the program and players were viewed as valuable, and his potential as a rising young coach was evident. His move to the NFL represents an opportunity for professional growth, but also leaves a hole on Campbell's staff.

The details

McSorley joined Penn State's coaching staff in 2025 as the assistant quarterbacks coach under James Franklin. When Franklin left for Virginia Tech, McSorley remained on staff under new head coach Matt Campbell. Campbell had emphasized the importance of retaining McSorley and linebacker coach Dan Connor, both of whom have deep ties to the program. However, an opportunity with the Buffalo Bills, where new head coach Joe Brady previously worked as a graduate assistant, has now emerged for McSorley.

  • McSorley joined Penn State's coaching staff in 2025.
  • McSorley is expected to take a position with the Buffalo Bills in the coming weeks.

The players

Trace McSorley

A former standout quarterback for the Penn State Nittany Lions, leading the team to a Big Ten championship in 2016. He is now leaving his assistant coaching position with the program to take a role with the NFL's Buffalo Bills.

Matt Campbell

The new head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions, who had emphasized the importance of retaining McSorley and other alumni on his coaching staff.

Joe Brady

The new head coach of the Buffalo Bills, who previously worked as a graduate assistant at Penn State when McSorley was the Nittany Lions' quarterback.

Rocco Becht

The current starting quarterback for the Penn State Nittany Lions, who spoke admiringly of McSorley and looked forward to learning from him.

Saquon Barkley

The former star running back who played alongside McSorley in the Penn State backfield.

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What they’re saying

“I think Trace is just starting [to learn] how special his career has got the ability to be. You talk about one of the winningest quarterbacks [in Penn State history]. And in my mind, I kept thinking about him and Rocco [Becht] have very similar traits of the human being and what they're about and the impact that he could have in a positive way on Rocco.”

— Matt Campbell, Penn State Head Coach (si.com)

“I knew who Trace McSorley was definitely because, in my opinion, he's one of the best quarterbacks to ever play here. Watching him in high school was super special. All I knew was just that duo in the backfield with Saquon [Barkley] and Trace. It was awesome to watch those two guys back in the day, but being here, being in the same room with him, has been awesome.”

— Rocco Becht, Penn State Quarterback (si.com)

What’s next

McSorley's hiring with the Buffalo Bills has not yet been officially announced, but is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Trace McSorley's departure represents a significant loss for the Penn State program, as he was viewed as a rising young coach with deep connections to the team and players. However, his opportunity with the NFL's Buffalo Bills represents a chance for professional growth and further development as a coach, even if it leaves a hole on Matt Campbell's staff.